Relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia have progressed further with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between two prominent institutions dedicated to culture, history, and heritage in both nations. This agreement is expected to strengthen the growing multi-sectoral Alliance of Civilizations between the two significant Buddhist and Islamic kingdoms, following their diplomatic reconciliation in January 2022.
A Memorandum of Cooperation was established on February 3, 2025 to promote the exchange of knowledge and research in the domains of history, heritage conservation, and art. This agreement was signed between The Siam Society, Thailand’s leading cultural institution, and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (DARAH) of Saudi Arabia. The signing was conducted by Mrs. Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, President of The Siam Society, and Mr. Turki bin Mohammed Alshuwaier, Chief Executive Officer of DARAH.
Following the signing ceremony, Mr. Turki had the opportunity to tour The Siam Society’s Library and Rare Book Collection, where he explored resources and rare documents pertaining to the art and history of both the Arabian Peninsula and Siam that are preserved within the library.
He was joined on this visit by Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulaziz Alsuhaibani, the Saudi Ambassador to Thailand; Mr. Humid Abdulrahman H. Al Humid, Director of Public Diplomacy at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mrs. Somlak Charoenpot, Vice President of The Siam Society; Khun Kanitha Kasina-Ubol, Executive Director of The Siam Society; Council Members; and officials from DARAH.
This visit by Mr. Turki occurred precisely one year after members of The Siam Society undertook their inaugural study tour to Saudi Arabia in February 2024, during which they visited the DARAH facilities in Riyadh.
In a statement shared on its Facebook page, the Siam Society conveyed its aspiration that these meetings would lead to an improved utilization of scholarly resources and information, which holds significant potential to generate valuable understanding and insights for the mutual advantage of both organizations.
Mr. Turki and his delegation were also graciously hosted for dinner by Mrs. Bilaibhan at the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home. Additionally, they visited the UNESCO Heritage Site of Ayutthaya and the Central Storage of the National Museums, Fine Arts Department.
Following the resolution of a 32-year diplomatic dispute between the two kingdoms in January 2022, there has been a significant increase in trade, tourism, and commercial interactions. The number of Saudi visitors to Thailand has surged. A new generation of young Thai entrepreneurs, organized under the Thai-Muslim Trade Association, has actively engaged in various Saudi trade exhibitions and participated in several familiarization trips to prominent tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia.
However, cultural exchanges have remained relatively underdeveloped. The collaboration between the Siam Society and DARAH is expected to play a crucial role in addressing this gap and enhancing essential connections among the academic and research sectors.
